09 March 2024 , 12:53
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Cristiano Ronaldo appears to have not turned up to the fight between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou - despite having a front-row seat reserved.
The heavyweight clash took place in Riyadh, where Ronaldo is now based with Al-Nassr but mysteriously saw the seat left vacant as the heavyweights competed. Ronaldo featured in Al-Nassr's 3-1 defeat against Al-Raed on Thursday, with his side now trailing Al-Hilal by 12 points at the top of the Saudi Pro League.
The Portugal international was around the boxing goliaths earlier in the week as he featured in a picture alongside heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, in addition to Joshua and Ngannou on Tuesday night. Saudi royal advisor Turki Alalshikh was also in that image and was set to be in the seat next to Ronaldo on Friday evening.
The 39-year-old superstar had his name emblazoned on his allocated spot. His seat saw his 'CR7' moniker etched into the material while other celebrities were only afforded paper printouts.
There were no shortage of famous faces in attendance as Joshua knocked Ngannou out in the second round of the contest. Jose Mourinho and the Brazilian Ronaldo were both present and took a photograph with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn.
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Former Manchester United ace Ronaldo was in place for Ngannou's last fight in Saudi Arabia when he lost a decision to Fury in his debut bout. On that occasion he was joined by partner Georgina Rodriguez.
It proved to be a short main event that Ronaldo missed with Joshua dominating from bell to bell. However, the 2012 Olympic champion believes Ngannou should persist with the sport after crossing over from MMA just a short time ago.
Cristiano Ronaldo posed for a picture with Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury a few days before the fight (tysonfury/Instagram)Joshua said of his opponent: "He is a great champion and this doesn't take anything away from his capabilities. I told him not to leave boxing. He's two fights in and he fought the best. It only takes one shot in the heavyweight division. Joseph Parker is one of my favourite fighters, he had it tough and look at him now.
"I'm just doing it while I'm here and making the most of it. In five years I won't be fighting. The people of Cameroon, I appreciate you. Africa united, respect. Everyone here tonight, I appreciate you. Thank you to Francis Ngannou."
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